Santosh Kumar, , employed in Surfine Tools, Coimbatore

This is my first job. I am happy to work for such a disabled friendly company like this!, says Santosh Kumar

Date: 14/11/2016

22-year-old Santhosh Kumar has locomotor disability to the extent of 70%. He has studied up to Class 10. He says, “I could not continue my studies because of my health. I was feeling very sad for myself. When I recovered I found myself sitting at home all day doing nothing!”

“But my future changed for the better when I came in contact with Livelihood Resource Centre (LRC),”
says Santosh beaming with happiness. “I got a call from LRC-Coimbatore inviting me to their office for a job placement. They sent me for an interview. To my surprise I was selected for a job. Nobody at home wanted me to go for work. But I was keen on earning a living. It was question of my self-respect and my self-worth!”

The call from LRC-Coimbatore was a game changer for Santhosh Kumar!

An excited Santhosh says, “This is my first job. I do work like cleaning boxes. I can sit and do the work of cleaning. The Managing Director and the Human Resource officer of this company asked me if I was able to do this job or if I wanted any other position. I am happy to work for such a disabled friendly company like this!”

Santosh adds, “I work for ‘Surfine Tools’ at Madukarai on a salary of Rs.7000/-. I am deeply grateful to LRC-Coimbatore for finding me such a good placement. I am able to work and earn despite my disability. Thank-you LRC-Coimbatore! Thank-you Surfine Tools for providing me with a suitable employment!”

Livelihood Resource Centres are the product of Leonard Cheshire Disability (LCD) – an international organization working among people with disabilities. Leonard Cheshire Disability is well known for its program called ‘Access to Livelihood’. The program provides training and assists the disabled to find a placement suited to their skills and abilities. The disabled are now able to find work and earn a living in mainstream companies – companies that are enlightened on disability issues and who firmly believe that disability is not a barrier to finding employment. LCDs award winning program is being implemented in countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines and in South Africa, with the support of Accenture Foundation.